Clifton automatic

The unique becomes accessible

The Watch Quote™ - January 19th, 2013

Baume & Mercier is committed to offering watch lovers models that defy the passage of the years, and the Clifton collection extends the mastery of traditional watchmaking that it has steadily developed since its foundation in 1830.

To reach the highest possible level and offer an instrument that is both precious and enduring, the Geneva-based watchmaker has used the lessons learned in developing the collection model and applied them to series production. Generations of expertise has been invested in these watches, from the production of the steel case using long and traditional processes to the crafting of the dial, and including the assembly of the automatic mechanical movement on the bench of a specialist watchmaker.

Although this series of watches is produced in greater quantities than the exceptional models, they share the same essential values, such as respecting the principle that a top-class watch should be manufactured in Switzerland with components from the best companies in the Jura region. But the quest for perfection goes further.

All the watches carrying the Baume & Mercier name are produced by the same craftsmen and tested with the same rigor that is applied throughout in the workshops in the heart of the Swiss Jura. They are true to the Genevan Maison’s image in the luxury world: unique yet always within reach.

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Collection 2013

This year at Baume & Mercier the focus is firmly mechanical, with time expressing its full dimension in collections incorporating more sophisticated watchmaking features and re-sized characters to meet the expectations of watch lovers in search of not only serious time-keeping instruments but also jewelry pieces in their smallest detail. Designed for the town, but with that little touch of “seaside living” associated with the Hamptons, the Clifton 1830 is a reference piece in 18K red gold with manual winding (ref 10060). Together with the two Clifton automatic 41 mm models (ref 10052 and 10053) and even the new mechanical models from the Linea 27 mm collection (ref 10113 and 10114), it combines an unmistakable distinction with an enduring spirit. These values of Baume & Mercier give it the means to achieve its ambitions in building its international presence... while preserving its taste for keeping everything in balance.

Clifton Automatique cadran argenté (10052)

With its fashionably contemporary 41 mm diameter and traditional look inspired by an exhibit from the Baume & Mercier collections on display in the 1950s, the Clifton watch is a timepiece of enduring value. Its round case, with its thin curved horns of steel for a perfectly snug fit on the wrist has, it is true, a slightly formal edge. But in an era when the disposable nature of things all too often precludes attachment to everyday objects, revisiting such enduring values is a true asset, making such a purchase a real investment in time. Traditionally presented with a black alligator strap plus triple-folding security clasp, the model is adorned with a silver-colored dial graced with Arabic numerals and index markers. Finely balanced, the traditional look of this timepiece, water resistant to 50 meters, is highlighted by the presence of blue steel hands driven by a mechanical self-winding caliber vibrating at a frequency of 4 Hz for greater accuracy. Visible through the transparent case back, the heart, with its oscillating mass adorned with a “Côtes de Genève” decor, clearly asserts its ambition to target an audience of forceful young executives naturally endowed with a sense of leadership and business.

Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic silver-colored dial

Ref.: M0A10052

Movement

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Automatic (Sellita SW260-1)

Oscillating weight

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Personalized with snailed decor & « Côtes de Genève » deco

Bridges

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Circular-grained

Screws

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Black & rhodium-plated

Jewels

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31

Power reserve

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38 hours

Frequency

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4Hz

Functions

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Small seconds Date

Case

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Round

Diameter

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41mm

Thickness

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11.54 mm

Steel

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Polished & satin-finished

Crystal

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Antiglare scratch-resistant sapphire

Case back

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Sapphire secured with 4 screws

Dial

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Sun satin-finished silver-colored Arabic numerals and indexes

Hands

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Blued steel

Strap

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Square scales black alligator

Buckle

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Triple folding buckle with security push-pieces

Water-resistance

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5 ATM (approx. 50m)

Clifton Automatic black dial (10053)

Hours, minutes, small seconds

Professionals say of black dials that they tend to lend something of a martial character. This is because most watches intended for use in battle deploy this colour to set off the hands on the dial, thus making them more readable. In this case, the black treatment of the Clifton watch face imparts a slightly more assertive presence, highlighting its “sturdy” character and by implication, enhancing the virility of the active urbanite who wishes to subtly emphasize his dynamic nature. Presented with a brown alligator strap, this beauty with a 41 mm case in steel presents the time, the seconds by means of a seconds hand at 6 o’clock and the date with an aperture at 3 o’clock. It is powered by a Swiss-made self-winding caliber, of which some of the components, such as the understated finish of the oscillating weight, are visible through the transparent case back.